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“Decades on Broadway” Concert Sunday at the LCCA

The West Point/Clay County Arts Council is presenting the Columbus Choral Society in concert at 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon, Nov. 19, in the Louise Campbell Center for the Arts. The concert and reception following is free and open to the public.

This year's performance, entitled "Decades on Broadway,” focuses on stage music from Tony Award-winning musicals.

“We're going to take our audience on a journey through 8 decades of the most famous and beloved musicals of our time,” said Alisa Toy, director of the Choral Society. “Memorable tunes from ‘Carousel,’ ‘The Sound of Music,’ ‘West Side Story,’ ‘Fiddler on the Roof,’ ‘Phantom of the Opera,’ ‘The Lion King,’ ‘Wicked,’ and ‘Dear Evan Hanson,’ there will be songs that appeal to everyone.”

Kathy Dyess, member of the WPCCAC, said Toy holds a bachelor’s degree in Music Education from the Mississippi University for Women. She is an active member of the American Choral Directors Association.

Toy said she enjoys conducting the Columbus Choral Society and the northern Mississippi regional choir for her church.

"In addition to winning several state titles, Toy placed first in the southern region NATS competition in 2011, and has soloed around the world," Dyess said. "Including with the Greeley (Colorado) Chorale on tour in Italy in 2005. She taught private voice and piano lessons for 23 years and is currently teaching through her private studio, SingingToy Studio. Originally from Alberta, Canada."
Toy said she now enjoys southern living in Columbus with her husband, four children, and mother-in-law.

"Accompanist for the group is Len Bobo, who also serves as organist/choirmaster for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Columbus and is on the adjunct faculty at East Mississippi Community College," Toy said. "Bobo is retired from a more than 40-year career at various colleges. He has served as a professional accompanist for the Arkansas Chamber Singers, Arkansas Symphony Chorus, Arkansas Choral Society, and is a member of the Arkansas and Mississippi Symphony Orchestras."

Toy said in addition to Bobo, the company is pleased to have Levert Hedgemon III, playing the fiddle, Cameron Collins and Bradyn Toy on percussion.

"The music will range from what your grandparents loved through today," said Tamie Adams of the CCS. "Everyone should enjoy the event. Most of the songs are very familiar to both children and adults."

Roger Burlingame, president of the board of Columbus Choral Society, said they are always excited to come to West Point.

"This is our fourth or fifth year to sing in West Point," Burlingame said. "We first sang at the First United Methodist Church, but we are happy to perform at the Louise Campbell Center."

Burlingame said the CCS typically does two concerts a year. The spring concert with be "For a Requiem."

"Last year was predominately religious music with a little secular music mixed in during the Christmas season," Burlingame said. "This fall is Broadway musicals. So the music is completely secular."
He said they were coming to West Point a little earlier than previously.

“We are excited every year to welcome the Choral Society to West Point,” said Julie Gray, president of the West Point/Clay County Arts Council. “It is amazing the quality of singers and musicians our area enjoys, and we are so blessed they are willing to share their talents with us.”

A reception will follow the performance, and all are encouraged to come out and enjoy this wonderful concert.